The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Technology brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics, as well as computer science, to develop solutions for future technologies and key societal challenges.

We are looking for one Project researcher (or project worker or research assistant) in the field of Digital Manufacturing Systems and Mechatronic Integration to join the “Digital Manufacturing and Surface Engineering (DMS) research group in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The task is fixed-term and the starting time of the position is 1.9.2025, or as agreed and ends on 30.06.2027.

Job description

The selected candidate will support the development of a novel hardware demonstrator and its associated digital control and monitoring architecture, in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. The work involves system integration, automation support, and testing of modular components and their digital interfaces. The role offers a hands-on opportunity to work on the convergence of advanced manufacturing systems and smart control technologies, contributing to a nationally funded innovation project with future commercialization potential.

As a Researcher, your responsibilities will include:

Design Support integration and operation of motion, control, and material feed systems
Assist in developing and testing software interfaces for equipment control and basic monitoring
Participate in mechanical design, system assembly, and troubleshooting
Conduct structured testing and validation of system modules
Document outcomes and support collaboration with research and industry partners.

Who we are looking for

The following skills are essential for a successful completion of the project:    

Master’s degree or equivalent (for Project Researcher) or bachelor’s degree or equivalent (for project worker and research assistant) in physics, automation, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, software engineering, or a related field
Interest in automation, mechatronic systems, or digital manufacturing technologies
Practical skills in software-hardware interfacing, such as control systems, motion platforms, or CNC equipment
Demonstrated Industrial work experience in software development domain for industrial machines (e.g., 3D-printing, machining, welding etc.)
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, LabVIEW, or C++
Hands-on approach to prototyping, testing, and systems debugging
Good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in collaborative teams.

Additional preferred but not mandatory skills considered beneficial for the work are: 

Prior work with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, FreeCAD), UML diagrams, FPGA programming
Experience in industrial systems, data acquisition, or signal integration
Familiarity with laser systems, metal additive manufacturing, or industrial automation.
Experience in lab-scale system prototyping, electronics assembly, or industrial control setups.
Finnish language proficiency (desired at B1 or higher, but not mandatory)

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.

A person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. A person selected for the post of project worker or research assistant is required to have a bachelor degree (or equivalent).

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel.  For a Project researcher the salary will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2500 €/month. If a Research assistant or Project worker is hired for the position, the salary will be approximately 2200 €/month.

There is a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 5 July, 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applications should include:

CV,
degree diplomas,
transcripts of records and
motivation letter that justifies how your profile (listed in CV) matches the job requirement and meets most of the skills required in this job.

Please provide also the names and contact details (email and phone number) of two professional references on your motivation letter.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant professor Ashish Ganvir, [email protected].

In questions related to the application process you may contact Head of Faculty Administration Sanna Hirvola, [email protected].

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

HR Excellence in Research Logo

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application